New hope for Green Arrow and ‘J52’ as NRM sets out its long-term operating strategy

THE National Railway Museum has published its long-awaited new strategy for operating rail vehicles from the National Collection over the next 15 years. 

The 20-page report sets out how the Science Museum Group (SMG) plans to operate its fleet, and which vehicles will be available for main line use, operation within its NRM, Shildon and Manchester sites, or loan to other museums and heritage railways. 

The period to 2034 includes two major railway events – the 200^th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 2025 and the bicentenary of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway’s Rainhill Trials in 2029. 

With major reorganisations planned for both museums over the next few years, the main line fleet will be kept to a minimum for the foreseeable future, with Gresley ‘A3’ No. 60103 Flying Scotsman continuing as the NRM’s roving ambassador until 2023 at least. 

Priority will be given to vehicles chosen for display in the revamped Great Hall when it reopens in 2021, rather than operation. 

Read more in the April 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!